MSNBC's Harris-Perry: Intent Was To Be 'Positive & Celebratory' About Romney Grandson

MSNBC anchor Melissa Harris-Perry used the opening of her Saturday morning program to issue a personal apology for the mockery of Mitt Romney’s adopted black grandson, Kieran. The appalling segment occurred last Sunday and Harris-Perry had already apologized via Twitter Tuesday. Today she claimed that she “intended to say positive and celebratory things” about the Romney family’s inter-racial adoption.

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Whatever the intent was, the reality is that the segment proceeded in a way that was offensive. And showing the photo in that context, that segment, was poor judgment. So without reservation or qualification, I apologize to the Romney family. Adults who enter into public life, implicitly consent to having less privacy. But their families, especially their children, should not be treated callously or thoughtlessly. My intention was not malicious, but I broke the ground-rule that families are off-limits. For that I am sorry.

Also, Allow me to apologize to other families formed through trans-racial adoption, because I am deeply sorry that we suggested that interracial families are in any way funny or deserving of ridicule. On this program, we are dedicated to advocating for a wide diversity of families; it is one of our core principles. And I am reminded that when we do so, it must be with the utmost respect. We’re genuinely appreciative of everyone who offered serious criticisms of last Sunday’s program, and I am reminded that our fiercest critics can sometimes be our best teachers.

While her apology sounded sincere, I don’t know how anyone can watch what happened last Sunday and walk away believing that her intent was to say “positive and celebratory” things about the Romney family. Harris-Perry invited left-wing comedians to a segment designed specifically to snark on various topics, one of them being a photo of Mitt Romney and his grandchildren.

Upon presenting the photo to her panelists, the first thing Harris-Perry did was to single out Kieran over his skin color and ask for her guests to comment.

While one of her guests sang about Kieran Romney being something that didn’t belong there and another implied he was a token, Harris-Perry laughed along. And when she had the opportunity to steer the segment into where she claims he intended to steer it — she didn’t.

Although she described Kieran as “gorgeous,” Harris-Perry snarked herself about how great it would be if the infant married Kanye West’s new baby.

In other words: Look at the black baby!!!!

Governor Mitt Romney is scheduled to appear on tomorrow’s edition of “Fox News Sunday” and is expected to comment on the “Lean Forward” network’s belittling of his family and infant grandson.